How do you get the stain so dark on the bambo trim? I've tried and tried, but my bamboo won't take stain easily at all, and I sand it. That is a beautiful dark color!

I bought my bamboo at Pier 1 Imports. The larger pieces came pre-stained. The smaller cuts are, I hate to admit this, actually 4 placemats I scored for $3 each. They wrap around the entire sides of the bar.